This week, Advocates for Youth is joining dozens of our partner organizations in calling for a permanent repeal of the Global Gag Rule.

The Global Gag Rule is a dangerous U.S. policy that has been used to prevent foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that receive U.S. funds from using their own, non-US funds to:

- provide legal abortion services
- advocate for abortion law reform in their own countries, and
- even provide accurate medical counseling or referrals regarding abortion.

Click here to ask your Senators and Representative to support a PERMANENT repeal of the Global Gag Rule!

For too long, the Global Gag Rule has been caught in a game of dangerous political football — either reinstated or overturned at the whim of each Presidential administration. But the fact remains that this policy puts U.S. politics and ideology above women's health and lives around the world. It's time to end the political games once and for all.

This cycle of reinstatement and repeal impacts women all over the world and undermines U.S. investments in global health and democracy.

Thankfully, in his first week in office, President Obama overturned the Global Gag Rule. Although President Obama's repeal means that the Global Gag Rule is not currently in effect, there is nothing to prevent a future president from reinstating it.

The Global Democracy Promotion Act, introduced by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), would eliminate that threat. This legislation would create a permanent, legislative barrier to attempts by a future administration to reinstate the Global Gag Rule.

Take action now! Urge your Members of Congress to co-sponsor the Global Democracy Promotion Act!

Restrictions on family planning in developing countries have jeopardized the world's most critically underserved populations for far too long. A permanent repeal of the Global Gag rule would help ensure that U.S.-funded organizations can continue to deliver lifesaving information and services that meet the needs of women and families around the world.

Advocates for Youth will be working hard to bring the Global Democracy Promotion Act to national attention and build support in Congress for its passage. We need your help to ensure that Congress understands the importance of permanently repealing the Global Gag Rule in order to protect the health, lives, and dignity of women and girls around the world.